Batts happy to take lead for UNCW pitchers

Published: Thursday, February 14, 2013 at 8:21 p.m.

Last Modified: Thursday, February 14, 2013 at 8:21 p.m.

New year, new role, same approach.

Facts

Weekend schedule

UNCW lineup for season-opening series of games at Brooks Field (with expected UNCW starting pitcher). Tickets: $3-$10 and can be bought at the ticket window on the day of the game or at UNCWSports.com.Friday, 4 p.m.:Saturday, 4 p.m.:Sunday, 10:30 a.m.:Sunday, 1:30 p.m.:

A strong sophomore season on the mound makes UNCW lefthander Mat Batts ace of the pitching staff entering 2013. He earned the right to throw the Seahawks' first pitch, scheduled around 4 p.m. Friday at Brooks Field against 2012 College World Series participant Kent State.

The way Batts sees it, though, his job hasn't changed.

"I try not to think about it," he said. "It doesn't matter which day you pitch, you have to be able to go out there, get outs and give your team a chance to win."

The Saturday starter last season behind Tyler McSwain, Batts pitched at least six innings in 12 of 16 starts, including a complete-game 11-strikeout effort in the CAA Tournament against Delaware.

First-year UNCW pitching coach Robert Woodard hasn't made many adjustments to Batts' routine or delivery. Woodard, a former ace at North Carolina where he's the career wins leader, knows what Batts can deliver.

"He's a consistent cat," Woodard said. "He's one of those guys that you start a scrimmage or a game and you look up an hour later and you're already in the fourth or fifth inning just because of his tempo and aggressiveness in the zone."

Batts (6-5, 3.09 ERA in 2012) feels he can be even more dependable this season than in 2012, his first season on the mound with the Seahawks after transferring from Western Carolina. He lasted only 2 2/3 innings in March at VCU, was chased by George Mason after throwing 87 pitches in 4 2/3 innings in April, and ended the season in disappointing fashion by allowing eight earned runs in 3 1/3 to take a 17-5 loss to N.C. State in the NCAA Raleigh Regional.

Trusting his stuff will help in that pursuit.

"And being able to put guys away three pitches or less," Batts added. "A lot of guys want strikeouts but you've got to be able to throw strikes early in the count and let your defense work."

Batts struck out 90 and walked 20 in 100.2 innings a year ago. His return is one reason why, on paper, this is an excellent UNCW pitching staff, perhaps the deepest in school history.

Batts and Saturday's starter, Jordan Ramsey, combined for 30 starts a year ago; tall lefty Christian MacDonald has progressed steadily since the end of last season. If Blaze Tart can recapture his 2011 pre-elbow injury form and work deep into games, the loaded bullpen should remain fresh and able and the Seahawks should fulfill their status as CAA preseason favorites.

UNCW also welcomes a talented freshman class, with guys like Evan Phillips, Ryan Foster and Nick Monroe who are expected to contribute. Batts and fellow veterans Ricky Holden and Kelly Secrest have tried to lead that group by example.

"For us the key is just to come out every day and kind of be there when they need help, but not offer too much, not try to put our hands in there too much," Batts said. "Just to be there to help guide ‘em through practice and let ‘em grow."

<p>New year, new role, same approach.</p><p>A strong sophomore season on the mound makes <a href="http://www.starnewsonline.com/section/topic71"><b>UNCW</b></a> lefthander Mat Batts ace of the pitching staff entering 2013. He earned the right to throw the Seahawks' first pitch, scheduled around 4 p.m. Friday at Brooks Field against 2012 College World Series participant Kent State.</p><p>The way Batts sees it, though, his job hasn't changed.</p><p>"I try not to think about it," he said. "It doesn't matter which day you pitch, you have to be able to go out there, get outs and give your team a chance to win."</p><p>The Saturday starter last season behind Tyler McSwain, Batts pitched at least six innings in 12 of 16 starts, including a complete-game 11-strikeout effort in the CAA Tournament against Delaware.</p><p>First-year UNCW pitching coach Robert Woodard hasn't made many adjustments to Batts' routine or delivery. Woodard, a former ace at North Carolina where he's the career wins leader, knows what Batts can deliver.</p><p>"He's a consistent cat," Woodard said. "He's one of those guys that you start a scrimmage or a game and you look up an hour later and you're already in the fourth or fifth inning just because of his tempo and aggressiveness in the zone."</p><p>Batts (6-5, 3.09 ERA in 2012) feels he can be even more dependable this season than in 2012, his first season on the mound with the Seahawks after transferring from Western Carolina. He lasted only 2 2/3 innings in March at VCU, was chased by George Mason after throwing 87 pitches in 4 2/3 innings in April, and ended the season in disappointing fashion by allowing eight earned runs in 3 1/3 to take a 17-5 loss to N.C. State in the NCAA Raleigh Regional.</p><p>Trusting his stuff will help in that pursuit.</p><p>"And being able to put guys away three pitches or less," Batts added. "A lot of guys want strikeouts but you've got to be able to throw strikes early in the count and let your defense work."</p><p>Batts struck out 90 and walked 20 in 100.2 innings a year ago. His return is one reason why, on paper, this is an excellent UNCW pitching staff, perhaps the deepest in school history. </p><p>Batts and Saturday's starter, Jordan Ramsey, combined for 30 starts a year ago; tall lefty Christian MacDonald has progressed steadily since the end of last season. If Blaze Tart can recapture his 2011 pre-elbow injury form and work deep into games, the loaded bullpen should remain fresh and able and the Seahawks should fulfill their status as CAA preseason favorites. </p><p>UNCW also welcomes a talented freshman class, with guys like Evan Phillips, Ryan Foster and Nick Monroe who are expected to contribute. Batts and fellow veterans Ricky Holden and Kelly Secrest have tried to lead that group by example.</p><p>"For us the key is just to come out every day and kind of be there when they need help, but not offer too much, not try to put our hands in there too much," Batts said. "Just to be there to help guide 'em through practice and let 'em grow."</p><p><i></p><p><a href="http://www.starnewsonline.com/section/topic94"><b>Brian Mull</b></a>: 343-2034</p><p>On <a href="http://www.starnewsonline.com/section/news41"><b>Twitter</b></a>: @BGMull</i></p>